Optical sensing systems and methods for detecting a physiological condition of a patient

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a physiological monitoring system that includes at least one physiological sensor indicative of a physiological condition of a patient, the at least one sensor worn by a patient. Sensors can include one or more optical sensors configured to measure a physiological parameter, such as total hemoglobin, SpO2, methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and the like. A monitoring system can receive measured information from the sensor and determine if the physiological condition of the user indicates an urgent medical need. When the physiological condition of the user indicates an urgent medical need, the electronic device can generate an alert.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of patient monitoringdevices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to portable andhandheld personal health organizers that are adapted to be coupled withpatient monitors that measure physiological characteristics such asblood glucose level, total hemoglobin, SpO₂, methemoglobin,carboxyhemoglobin, and the like.

Description of the Related Art

Caregivers often employ patient monitoring systems or devices, such aspulse oximeters, capnographs, blood pressure cuffs, and the like, forconvenient spot checking and even continuous monitoring of physiologicalcharacteristics of a patient. Patient monitoring systems generallyinclude one or more sensors applied to a patient, a monitoring device,and one or more cables connecting the one or more sensors to themonitoring device.

Portability of these monitoring systems is advantageous for a number ofreasons. For example, portable devices provide the patient with mobilityand provide the caregiver the option of including the monitoring devicewhen transporting patients from one setting to another. Also, caregiversoften transport patients from an ambulance to a hospital emergency room,and between surgical, intensive care, and recovery settings. As anotherexample, portable devices can also provide the patient the capability ofusing the monitoring systems at home or the office.

An example of a patient monitoring device is a glucometer, which is usedin a procedure for measuring glucose concentration in the blood.Glucometers are a key element of home blood glucose monitoring by peoplewith diabetes mellitus or prone to hypoglycemia. A glucometer typicallyprovides a numerical readout of the patient's glucose level. Othermonitor devices may measure physiological characteristics such as totalhemoglobin, SpO₂, methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, etc.

For many conventional patient monitoring devices such as pulse oximetersor glucometers, separate monitoring devices may be needed to measure theoxygen and glucose level saturations. Viewing and analyzing differentphysiological characteristics would also require separate devices.Moreover, conventional patient monitoring devices are limited to thespecialized functions provided by the individual devices, which ofteninclude limited data analysis or synchronization capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable healthorganizer that enables patients and healthcare personnel to managehealth data, and in particular, physiological reading data from one ormore health data collection devices such as a glucometer or pulseoximeter. In an embodiment, the personal health organizer is a dedicatedportable device that is adapted to retrieve reading data from a healthdata collection device, which is a noninvasive device in an embodimentand an invasive device in another embodiment.

In another embodiment, the personal health organizer is a softwaremodule/platform that is configured to be executed on a general purposecomputing device such as a personal computer, a laptop, a mobile phone,a mobile computer, and a wristwatch computer. The general purposecomputer device is directed by the personal health organizer softwaremodule/platform to collect or receive data from either an invasive ornon-invasive health data collection device. Another embodiment is apersonal health organizer device that includes an integrated health datacollection module that is configured to receive physiological datareading from a sensor. The personal health organizer can measure variousphysiological reading data invasively or non-invasively through a sensorconnected through a sensor port in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the personal health organizer provides seamlessintegration of the reading data with the patient's existing medical dataand with a number of software applications that help a patient manageshis or her health. For example, the physiological reading data, e.g.,blood glucose, total hemoglobin, SpO₂, methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin,can be tracked over a time period so the patient is reminded to takemedication and/or perform a new reading. The reminders can be customizedor calculated based on prior medical history and/or personal informationsuch as age and gender stored in the personal health organizer. Asanother example, the reading data can also be forwarded to healthcareproviders such as physicians and pharmacies so they can provide feedbackto the patient. The personal health organizer can also trigger alerts ifthe reading data indicate an abnormal level that requires medicalattention.

In addition to the forgoing, embodiments of the present disclosure alsoprovide electronic medical record (EMR) integration in conjunction withsupport for medical record synchronization across networked locations(e.g. via a cloud computing network). Medical data (including readingdata and other patient-entered data such as medication schedule andactivity/food in-take logs) from the personal health organizer deviceare automatically synchronized with the corresponding records located ata remote entity (e.g. in a centralized EMR storage or at the healthcareproviders' data storage). For example, newly obtained reading data canbe synchronized with a shared, synchronized calendar so that both thephysician and the patient user can adjust an appointment if the readingrequires a change in the appointment schedule. As another example,prescription information can be synchronized so that reimbursements canbe handled automatically when the user finishes a current prescriptionand purchases a new refill. In another example, the personal healthorganizer can initiate the prescription refill process after verifyingdrug interaction and consent of the user and the physician.

In other embodiments, the personal health organizer includes anaccelerometer that detects user motion and the motion can assist in thecollection of and/or display of medical/reading data. For example, theaccelerometer can detect a user's intent to use the device viatouch/motion and automatically start the collection of data when theuser places his or her finger into a sensor associated with a healthcollection data device. In another example, the personal healthorganizer can begin health data collection once the user places his orher finger into a sensor associated with a health collection data deviceand/or provides a gesture via a touch-screen input associated with thepersonal health organizer. In yet another example, the personal healthorganizer begins the data collection when the user places a finger intothe sensor. The LEDs and photo diodes in the sensor can detect thepresence of the finger and initiate data collection. The presence of afinger can be determined, for example, by determining when there is asignificant reduction in detected light. Such a reduction in detectedlight can indicate the presence of a finger and start the datacollection process.

In other embodiments, the personal health organizer includes a number ofhealth education and gaming modules designed to educate the user onhealth management and motivate the user toward a healthier lifestyle.The educational and gaming content can be customized based on the user'scurrent reading data. For example, a tree icon indicative of the user'shealth can be displayed on the personal health organizer, with thehealth of the tree corresponding to the recent readings obtaineddirectly by the personal health organizer through a connected sensor orthrough an associated health data collection device.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the invention have been described herein. Ofcourse, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects,advantages or features will be embodied in any particular embodiment ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various features of theinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of theinvention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used toindicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a personal health organizer.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another embodiment of a personal healthorganizer.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate yet another embodiment of a personal healthorganizer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates the components of a personalhealth organizer in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates the modules of a personalhealth organizer in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a flow diagram that illustrates various methods performed bythe personal health organizer in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates the transfer and synchronization of reading data andmedical data in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sample handheld monitor and an exemplarynoninvasive optical sensor of a health data collection device inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example health data collection devicecapable of noninvasively measuring one or more blood analytes in amonitored patient, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein isnot intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner,simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can include several novelfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions hereindescribed.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed forobtaining and analyzing medical data from a medical device or a dataserver. More specifically, systems, methods, and computer readable mediaare disclosed for enabling a portable device to obtain and analyzemedical data from a health data collection device, such as a glucometer.

FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B illustrate three primary embodiments ofthe personal health organizer. First, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a dedicatedportable personal health organizer device that is configured to receivedata from a health data collection device such as a glucometer. In anembodiment, the personal health organizer is configured to analyze datafrom the collection device, manage the collected data, and use thecollected data to assist the patient in managing his or her personalhealthcare. For example, the collected data can be used to schedulereminders for the patient to visit his or her physician or pharmacist.Second, FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a general purpose computing deviceconfigured to execute a personal health organizer software module, withthe computing device further configured to receive data from a healthdata collection device such as a glucometer. The general purposecomputing device can be a mobile computing device with its own operatingsystem and software, and has installed upon it the personal healthorganizer software module configured to perform tasks that aresubstantially similar to those performed by the dedicated personalhealth organizer depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Finally, FIGS. 3A and 3Bdepict a device that integrates a personal health organizer softwaremodule with a health data collection device module, with the collectiondevice module coupled with hardware to perform tasks of health datacollection such as those performed by a glucometer or other patientmonitoring device described above. Each of these primary embodimentswill be described in further detail below.

Personal Health Organizer as a Dedicated Portable Device

FIG. 1A shows a personal health organizer 110 as a device configured foranalyzing data collected by a health data collection device 112. Asshown in FIG. 1A, the personal health organizer 110 can be connected tothe health data collection device 112 via a communications link 114. Thecommunications link 114 can be a wired or wireless connection adapted totransfer data between the two devices. Examples of wired connectionsinclude USB, serial, and parallel and examples of wireless connectionsinclude Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Wireless USB, and ZIGBEE. In variousembodiments, the health data collection device 112 is configured tocollect physiological data from a patient invasively or non-invasively.The health data collection device 112 can be a glucometer, a pulseoximeter, monitor devices that measure total hemoglobin, SpO₂,methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and the like. Example portablenon-invasive monitoring devices are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/534,827, filed Aug. 3, 2009, assigned to MasimoLabs of Irvine, Calif., the Assignee of the present application, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The personal health organizer 110 can comprise a computing systemconfigured to perform functional tasks of various embodiments of theinvention. For example, in an embodiment, the personal health organizer110 accesses data collected by the health data collection device 112 orstored at a medical data server 120 connected via a network 124, whichcan include a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. The medical data server 120 andthe personal health organizer 110 can be connected to the network viacommunications links 146 and 148, respectively, and the communicationslinks can include wired or wireless connections. The medical data server120 can be a conventional, preexisting data system operated by an entitysuch as a hospital or an insurance company.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the health data collection device112 includes a finger clip sensor 116 connected to a monitor 118 via acable. Moreover, the monitor 118 can advantageously includes electronicprocessing, signal processing, and data storage devices capable ofreceiving signal data from the sensor 116, processing the signal data todetermine one or more output measurement values indicative of one ormore physiological parameters of a monitored patient, and displaying themeasurement values, trends of the measurement values, combinations ofmeasurement values, and the like. Alternatively, in an embodiment, thepersonal health organizer 110 includes a sensor port that allows for asensor such as the sensor 116 to be connected directly to the personalhealth organizer 110, and in that embodiment the personal healthorganizer 110 includes components and devices for processing the signaldata from the sensor 116.

The monitor 118 can also include other components, such as a speaker, apower button, removable storage or memory (e.g., a flash card slot), anAC or DC power port, and one or more network interfaces, such as auniversal serial bus (USB) interface, an Ethernet port, or a wirelessport. These interfaces and ports can be used by the monitor 118 in oneembodiment to communicate with the sensor 116 via a communication link104, which may include various types of communication protocols andlinks as described above with respect to the communication link 114. Forexample, the monitor 118 can include a display that can indicate ameasurement for glucose, for example, in mg/dL. Other analytes and formsof display can also appear on the monitor 118.

In addition, although a single sensor with a single monitor 118 isshown, different combinations of sensors and device pairings can beimplemented. For example, multiple sensors can be provided for aplurality of differing patient types or measurement sites or evenpatient fingers. The sensor 116 can also connect to the monitor 118wirelessly. Alternatively, the sensor 116 and the monitor 118 can beintegrated into a single unit. A skilled artisan would appreciate thatmany other monitoring device configurations can be used as well.

Personal Health Organizer as a Software Module

FIG. 2A depicts another embodiment with a personal health organizersoftware module 132 executed on a general purpose computing device 126,with the computing device 126 coupled with the health data collectiondevice 112 via a communications link 128. The communications link 128can be a wired or wireless connection adapted to transfer data betweenthe two devices. The personal health organizer module 132 can be anexecutable program on an operating system of a device such as a mobilephone, a personal digital assistant, a portable music player, anelectronic book reader, a netbook, a TV media center, and a laptop ordesktop computer. For example, the personal health organizer module 132can be an application that is executed on the operating system of amobile phone such as the iPhone manufactured by Apple, Inc., aBlackberry device manufactured by Research In Motion, Inc., the Premanufactured by Palm, Inc, or a mobile device manufactured by HTC,Nokia, or Motorola, etc. In an embodiment, the personal health organizersoftware module 132 is configured to perform tasks that aresubstantially similar to those performed by the dedicated personalhealth organizer depicted in FIG. 1A. In an embodiment, the computingdevice 126 is connected to the network 124 via a communications link122, which can be a wired or wireless connection. As with FIG. 1A, thecomputing device 126 can be connected to the medical data server 120 viathe network 124.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the general computing device 126 can be coupledwith the health data collection device 112, with the monitor 118 andsensor 116 as described above. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B,2A, and 2B, the communication and/or I/O interfaces of the health datacollection device 112 can be used to connect to personal healthorganizer 110 or 126. For example, the USB interface could be used toconnect the monitor 118 to a USB port of the personal health organizer110 or 126. As another example, the wireless port of the health datacollection device 112 could be used to communicate with the personalhealth organizer via a wireless link, such as an RF or infrared link ora Bluetooth® link. A skilled artisan will appreciate that a variety ofother configurations and communication mechanisms are possible. Forexample, in an embodiment, general purpose computer device 126 includesa sensor port that allows for a sensor such as the sensor 116 to beconnected directly to the general purpose computer device 126, and inthat embodiment the general purpose computer device 126 includescomponents and devices for processing the signal data from the sensor116. In another embodiment, the sensor 116 can be connected wirelesslyto the general purpose computer device 126 through one or more knownwireless connection protocols such as Bluetooth®. A skilled artisan willalso appreciate that connecting the monitor 118 to the personal healthorganizer can allow the personal health organizer to collect, store, oranalyze the output measurement values produced by the monitor 118.

Integrated Device with Personal Health Organizer and Health DataCollection Modules

FIG. 3A depicts another embodiment with a personal health organizersoftware module 132 executed on a computing device 130 that isintegrated with a health data collection device module 134. In anembodiment, the health data collection device module 134 is configuredto collect physiological data such as glucose reading and otherphysiological parameters. In an embodiment, the health data collectiondevice module 134 includes components and devices for processing thesignal data from the sensor 116. As shown in FIG. 3B, the integrateddevice 130 can include a monitor display and a sensor 116. The monitordisplay can provide for display for both the personal health organizersoftware module 132 and the health data collection device module 134. Inan embodiment, the sensor 116 can be further integrated into theintegrated device 130. In another embodiment, the wire connecting thesensor 116 to the integrated device 130 can be retractable or detachableso that the sensor 116 can be housed within the integrated device 130 orelsewhere when the sensor 116 is not in use. In the detachableembodiment, the integrated device 130 includes a sensor port that allowsfor the sensor 116 to be connected directly to the integrated device 130through one or more known connection/communication protocols includingUSB and Ethernet. The sensor 116 can also connect wirelessly to theintegrated device 130.

In one or more embodiments, the personal health organizer 110, 126 or130 can be covered by a water-proof case (e.g. a case that can withstandwater pressure up to 300M in depth). In an embodiment, the sensor 116 iseither detached from the personal health organizer device or integratedinto the personal health organizer within the water-proof case. The casecan allow, for example, divers to use the personal health organizerunder water.

Although a single personal health organizer is depicted in FIGS. 1A-3B,many different personal health organizers, monitoring devices, orsensors that operate as described above can be provided. In addition,multiple distinct healthcare entities and systems can communicate with apersonal health organizer and its associated monitoring device and/orsensor. This can include corporate two-way interaction of data hubs suchas Google Health, Microsoft Health Vault, and hubs maintained byWellPoint or other insurers. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatany number of patients or healthcare professionals can be providedaccess to the personal health organizer 110, 126, or 130 or the dataserver 120.

Personal Health Organizer Components—General

FIG. 4 illustrates in more detail components of an example personalhealth organizer 110, general computing device 126 (with a personalhealth organizer module 132) or integrated device 130 in accordance withvarious embodiments (hereinafter referred to as “personal healthorganizer”). In an embodiment, the components are divided into requiredcomponents and optional components. In FIG. 4, the required componentsare illustrated in blocks with continuous lines while the optionalcomponents are illustrated in blocks with dotted lines.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, various embodiments of the personal healthorganizer include one or more of the following components: one or morecomputer processor(s) 202, a storage 204, a display/touch panel 206, andan interface 208. One or more of these components can be connectedtogether via a system bus 210. In an embodiment, the storage 204includes (1) data storage such as a hard disk and/or removable mediasuch as a flash drive, and/or (2) memory storage such as RAM or ROM. Theprocessor(s) 202 can process signals received from a sensor such as thesensor 116 shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 3B and derive physiologicalreadings such as blood glucose level or other parameters from thesignals. The storage 204 can include instructions or data for performingone or more methods disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, thestorage 204 includes a media card reader interface that accepts a mediacard such as an SD card, a microSD card, a memory stick, a CF card andthe like. The portable media card can be used to store patientinformation and enable the personal health organizer device to beshared, with the settings and data for the individual user stored in theuser's media card. The personal health organizer can also include abiometric identification module (such as a vein pattern or finger printscanner) 246 to distinguish one user from another or provide securityfor information stored.

In an embodiment, a personal health organizer computing platform/module300 and related modules (shown in FIG. 5) are stored in storage 204 andexecuted on the processor 202. Additionally, the personal healthorganizer can access information including patient medical and readingdata stored in storage 204 in performing methods disclosed herein.

The interface 208 can include an input 234, which can in turn includewired and wireless input connections in accordance with variousprotocols such USB, serial, parallel, SATA, Firewire (IEEE 1394),Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Wireless USB, ZIGBEE, etc. Although interface208 is shown as a simple interface, multiple interfaces could be used.For example, the interface can include one or more commonly availableinput/output (I/O) interfaces that provide a communication interface tovarious external devices, connected via a wired, wireless, orcombination of wired and wireless, communication link. In addition,sensor interface 224 can double as a wired interface to other connectiontypes.

The input 234 can also accept input from an input device such as akeyboard, a mouse, a speech recognition device, a touch screen deviceand/or other data entering devices. In an embodiment, the user inputsinformation through the touch screen functionality integrated into thedisplay/touch panel 206. The input 234 can be connected to the healthdata collection device 112, other medical devices, other computingdevices, etc. to collect medical and/or physiological reading data thatis to be processed, analyzed, and/or communicated.

In an embodiment, the interface 208 also includes a network interface240 that can receive information over any type of network, such as atelephony-based network (e.g., PBX or POTS), a local area network (LAN),a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated intranet, and/or the Internet.The network interface 240 can include a wired interface such as anEthernet interface or a wireless interface such as Wi-Fi or WiMAX.

The personal health organizer can be adapted to provide outputinformation to an output 232, with the information output through wiredand wireless connections in accordance with various protocols such USB,serial, parallel, SATA, Firewire, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, WirelessUSB, ZIGBEE, etc. Information can also be output to an external display228 and/or a printer 230.

As further described below, the personal health organizer can use thestored patient information to generate reports, alerts, and the like forhealthcare providers. The personal health organizer can then output themedical information via the output 232 and/or send the medicalinformation through via the network 124.

The storage 204 can store personal data associated with patientsconnected to the personal health organizer, such as name, address,telephone number, driver's license number, social security number,credit card account number, checking account number, age, gender,ethnicity, etc. Sensitive or personal data may be stored in an encryptedformat and/or not stored on the personal health organizer. In anembodiment, the user is provided with data storage and security optionsand can configure the device as desired. In an embodiment, informationstored on the device can be remotely wiped, for example, if the deviceis lost or stolen. The storage 204 can preferably also include recordsof reports generated for the healthcare providers (when a provider isthe user) or patients, alerts generated for the healthcare providers orpatients, patients associated with the healthcare providers, andrequests made by the healthcare providers or patients. The storage 204can also include the healthcare provider's or patient's membershipidentification (“ID”) and password. The information to be stored in thestorage 204 can be entered, obtained, or transmitted using the touchscreen enabled display 206, the input and output 232 and 234, and/or thenetwork interface 240.

The personal health organizer in an embodiment includes one or more of:a media decoder/encoder/player 218 for playing back music and media, aphone 226, a built-in video/still capability camera 214, a barcodeinterface 220, a magnetic compass/accelerometer 216, a sensor interface224, a glucose strip reader 222, a biometric identification module (suchas a retinal, vein pattern, or finger-print scanner) 246, and an audiocomponent 244. The media player 218 can play back media such as musicand video via a media center software displayed on the display 206. Thecamera 214 can support a document scanner that allows user to inputdocuments and forms from healthcare providers or insurance companies. Inan embodiment, the camera is paired with an optical characterrecognition module so that scanned medical forms can be converted intodata that can be uploaded for synchronization at a server in a network(e.g. a cloud computing network) or stored on the personal healthorganizer device. The scanner can also enable the user to fill out amedical form and send the completed form to a healthcare provider or aninsurance company. User can also photograph or scan the bar code ofprescriptions and food packaging to obtain information on drug andnutrition.

The sensor interface 224 can be used to connect to a health datacollection device and/or a sensor such as the sensor 116 shown in FIGS.1A-3B to obtain reading data from the device or sensor. The glucosestrip reader 222 can be used to read/scan glucose strips and obtainreading data from the strips. The barcode interface 220 can be used fordistinguishing patient records in a hospital setting.

The personal health organizer can also include a GPS receiver component212, which can determine the location of the personal health organizer.The GPS receiver component 212 can include a digital GPS receiver thatcan determine the location of the personal health organizer bydetermining coordinates, such as latitude, longitude, altimeter, etc.using conventional methods know in the art. In the case of an emergencyassociated with a user of the personal health organizer, emergencyservices or address book contacts can be contacted and locationinformation of the user can be given by the personal health organizerusing information provided by the GPS receiver component 212. Inaddition, the personal health organizer can be adapted to locate anddiscover nearby healthcare facilities and/or computing devices. Forinstance, the personal health organizer can determine its location asdiscussed above, and from knowing its location it could determine theclosest hospital or pharmacy, etc. The personal health organizer canalso determine what medical devices, equipment, monitors, and/or othercomputing devices are located near it, for example, by using thebroadcast IDs of these devices (e.g. Wi-Fi SSIDs).

In an embodiment, the magnetic compass/accelerometer component 216enables a virtual reality capability. For example, a panoramic photo canbe viewed on the display 206 by tilting/rotating the device, where thedevice updates the current viewing angle of the picture using the 3Dacceleration vector from the accelerometer and the direction from themagnetic compass. In an embodiment, other accelerometer-related featuresinclude an orientation aware graphic user interface (GUI) on the display206, whereby the GUI adjusts according to the physical orientation ofthe personal health organizer device. In another embodiment, the GUIprovides a hospital navigational feature that can assist a user withnavigating or routing through a hospital, for example, using a virtualreality depiction of the hospital. In addition, the display 206 can beconfigured so that a “Portrait View” is used to display numbers and a“Horizontal/Landscape” view is used to view full screen trended data(e.g. readings tracked over a period of time). Both view options can beoverridden in the control menu of the personal health organizer device.While in the “trend view,” in an embodiment, the user can slide thetrend timeline along a horizontal axis shake of the device, which can betaken to be a user generated gesture interaction with the device. Inanother embodiment, the user can rapidly shake the personal healthorganizer device and press the power button shortly to clear the trendthat is being viewed. In another embodiment, the user can control oraccess the scroll menu with a vertical axis shake. An icon can bedisplayed to show a 2D bubble level and/or a 3D bubble level to give theuser feedback that the device is being used in a good orientation foruse.

In yet another embodiment, while the personal health organizer device isin an “Exercise Activity Flag Mode,” the physical movement of the useris measured and correlated with the user's pulse rate, with the pulsebeing measured by the personal health organizer or a sensor strapped tothe exercising user, in order to rate the user's physical activity.

In other embodiments, the accelerometer can be used so that a three-axistilt of the device can adjust the perspective view of numerical 3Dobjects, and a three-axis tilt of the device can adjust the perspectiveview of the graph for more information. In other embodiments, a steadyrapid shake of the device can be reflected in the falling apart ofscreen information on the display 206 and a prompt to notify the userthat heavy vibration is detected. Rapid shaking of the device during analarm clock notification can snooze the alarm.

The personal health organizer can include a device history log in whicha user voluntarily provides access to log data so the manufacturer ofthe personal health organizer device can determine usage frequencies ofvarious features. The log can be anonymized so that personal medicaldata is blacked out, blocked, or not provided.

Personal Health Organizer Components—Accessibility Features

The personal health organizer can also include software and/or hardwaresupport (e.g. the audio component 244) for providing a user interfacefor visually impaired users, including speech and command recognition.In an embodiment, the personal health organizer provides haptic(touch-based) feedback. The feedback can be provided in addition to theaudible voice and tonal feedback of the device (e.g. having a vibrationnotification on each screen interaction to assist the user in navigatingthe screens).

One embodiment of the personal health organizer includes an “auto-start”feature in which, after power on, the motion sensor and sensor 116detects if a finger is placed and held steady for a time period (e.g.two seconds) at the sensor 116. If so, the device starts the measurementand can optionally upload the result to a server. In an embodiment, theauto-start feature can be paired with audible instructions, sent via theaudio component 244, to assist the user in using the device inauto-start mode.

Modules of the Personal Health Organizer

In one or more embodiments, the personal health organizer deviceincludes one or more modules as shown in FIG. 5. As shown, the personalhealth organizer device includes a medical and/or physiological datainput software module 310 that supports and/or controls the receipt ofmedical or physiological reading data from the health data collectiondevice 112, for example. In addition, a sensor interface module 306 canbe included in the personal health organizer device to interface withvarious sensors. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A and3B, where the health data collection functionality is integrated intothe personal health organizer device, the personal health organizerincludes the sensor interface module 306 to interface with the attachedsensor 116.

In an embodiment, the personal health organizer or personal healthorganizer module further includes a personal health organizer softwareplatform 300 on which one or more of the following modules can beexecuted. In another embodiment, the modules can be executed on anoperating system on a computing device apart from the personal healthorganizer platform 300. The modules include a network computing supportmodule 302, a communications I/O interface module 304, an electronicmedical data integration module 322, a gaming module 324, a medical dataanalysis module 326, a medical information and education module 328, adevice security module 342, and a medical data display module 344. Thesemodules are further described as follows.

Medical Data Analysis Module

The medical data analysis module 326, by way of example, can be used toreceive medical or physiological data from the health data collectiondevice 112 and/or the sensor 116. For example, the medical data analysismodule 326 can be used to receive the measurement outputs from themonitor 118 in FIGS. 1B and 2B. As another example, the medical dataanalysis module 326 can be used to receive data from the sensor 116 inFIG. 3B. The medical data analysis module 326 can then analyze the datareceived from the sensor 116 to determine reading data and/ormeasurement values similar to those determined by the monitor 118.

After receiving or determining the reading data, the medical dataanalysis module 326 can perform analysis on the reading data. Forexample, the medical data analysis module 326 can determine bothpre-prandial and post-prandial peak glucose levels. This analysis canhelp healthcare professionals know when and how to titrate medications,especially for patients who are on an insulin sliding scale coverage. Asanother example, the medical data analysis module 326 can determine themean glucose levels (daily, weekly, or monthly, etc.). The medical dataanalysis module 326 can also determine the correlation between thehemoglobin A1c and the glucose levels over a period of time, e.g., a twoto three month period. This can show how well controlled the patient'sblood sugar level is based on the glucose readings from the glucometer.These functions described can be performed by the medical data analysismodule 326, a sub-module, and/or a separate program on the personalhealth organizer.

Medical Data Analysis Module—Data Tracking

In addition to receiving medical data, the medical data analysis module326 can be configured to send collected or stored medical data tointerested parties using the network computing support module 302 and/orthe communications I/O interface module 304. For example, the medicaldata analysis module 326 can send a digital copy of a user's entiremedical record, proof of health insurance, etc. to interested parties,such as a physician office. Medical data including current and pastreadings, reading trends, analyses, medical records, insurance records,can be sent via email, text message, or any other communicationmedium/protocol to any interested party. Likewise, an interested party(e.g. doctor, insurance company) can also send the same type of data tothe personal health organizer via email, text message, or any othercommunication medium/protocol and the attached/transmitted data can beintegrated into the records kept on the personal health organizer.

The medical data analysis module 326 can further include one or moresub-modules or programs for tracking medical data, including readingdata and/or data related patient activities and correlating the medicaldata with patient activities. For example, the medical data analysismodule 326 can track daily food intake that can be downloaded vianetwork 124. In that embodiment, the medical data analysis module 326 isused to receive input from a user, via the input 234 and/or thedisplay/touch panel 206, indicating food taken throughout the day. Thenthe medical data analysis module 326 can store the input in the storage204, analyze the input to determine trends, and/or generate reportsbased on the input. This can help the physician, dietician, or patientto improve or modify dietary strategies for glucose control. In anembodiment, trending data is displayed to the user in various graphicalformats on the display 206 through the medical data display module 344.

As another example, the medical data analysis module 326 can track theglycemic index (GI), which describes the effect of carbohydrates onglucose level, and is sometimes used for medical nutrition therapy. Inanother embodiment, the medical data analysis module 326 can maintain alog of insulin injections given and/or received to show a patient'scompliance with medications. The insulin injections can be input by theuser into the personal health organizer via the user interface on thedisplay 206 or input automatically with digital syringe. The medicaldata analysis module 326 can also generate hypoglycemia or hyperglycemiaalerts. For example, when the received reading data indicates that bloodglucose is too low or too high, the medical data analysis module 326 canalert the patient and prompt the patient to log any symptoms ofhypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Moreover, the medical data analysismodule 326 can have threshold reading values and/or accompanying symptomchecklists configurable by a physician or a patient, so that if bloodglucose values are detrimentally low or high and/or certain accompanyingsymptoms appear, alerts will be automatically sent to the patient'sphysician or emergency medical personnel. Similarly, the medical dataanalysis module 326 can determine if a user has missed a reading and itcan send alerts (via SMS, email, automated voice call, etc.) to afriend, family member, or a caretaker to check on the user.

Moreover, the medical data analysis module 326 can calculate the amountof insulin to be given based on the user's carbohydrate intake andglucose level post-prandial. This is helpful for patients who are on aninsulin sliding scale coverage. Also, the medical data analysis module326 can perform continuous blood glucose monitoring for patients in ahospital setting or in critical care.

The medical data analysis module 326 can also be configured to manageactivity flags, based on data input by a user. The data input can, byway of example, include: exercise time and severity of exercise, insulin(basal bolus) dosage, medication taken, food (GI index,carbohydrates/proteins) consumed, weight tracking, pulse rate tracking,or CO tracking for smokers. In addition, the tracking can include customflags for other user-defined activities.

In an embodiment, the medical data analysis module 326 works with themedical data display module 344 to provide visualization of health datatracking or trending. In an embodiment, the medical data display module344 displays trended data for a user in a variety of graphical formats,for example, when rotated in a horizontal position. The trended data cancontain continuous or spot readings of measureable parameters or userinput for activity flags, as discussed above.

A skilled artisan would appreciate that the medical data analysis module326 could be associated with different types of programs or applicationsinstalled by the user that can interface with the medical data analysismodule 326. The functions described herein can also be performed by themedical data analysis module 326 alone, one or more sub-modules, and/orone or more separate modules/programs on the personal health organizer.

Network Computing Support Module and Electronic Medical Data IntegrationModule

In addition to analyzing reading data and providing the user withreminders, alerts, and other feedback to improve the user's health, thepersonal health organizer in an embodiment includes the electronicmedical data record integration module 322 and/or the network computingsupport module 302 to assist in medical data synchronization. Forexample, the electronic medical data record integration module 322 canprovide data backup and synchronization of medical results, contacts,and other user data (music, videos, etc.). The electronic medical datarecord integration module 322 can also be configured to enablesynchronization of emails, text messages, and voice messages. Theelectronic medical data record integration module 322 and/or the networkcomputing support module 302 can also be configured to synchronizepatient data to centralized medical data servers such as Google Health,Microsoft Health Vault, etc.

The electronic medical data record integration module 322 can alsoenable non-patients such as physicians and family members of a primarypatient user to synchronize patient data with different accessprivileges. For instance, an alias can be created to allow non-trustedsources to review patient data without personally identifiableinformation. The electronic medical data record integration module 322can further enable a user to prove good health practices and complianceto receive special discounted rates or rate cuts from health insuranceproviders. In an embodiment, the electronic medical data recordintegration module 322 and/or the network computing support module 302include an embedded web server that allows access to locally storedhistory, reading/medical data, data settings, and calendar, etc.

The electronic medical data record integration module 322 and thenetwork computing support module 302 can be associated with a calendarprogram. The program can allow a user to synchronize the calendar of thepersonal health organizer with an online synchronized calendar such asOutlook, iCalendar, Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar, etc. The calendarcan also provide an alarm function, including a smart clock that canstore or access times for scheduled tests and can determine, based onreading data, if more tests are needed (invasive or non-invasive). Asanother example, when a prescription is entered, the personal healthorganizer device in an embodiment tracks medication intake and providesreminders for taking the prescribed medication.

In addition, the electronic medical data record integration module 322can be configured such that the personal health organizer can be used bymultiple users. For example, each user's data can be tracked separatelyon the same device. As a result, for instance, one family would onlyhave to buy one device for spot checking, and family members can loginvia a password or a biometric identification system as further describedbelow. As another example, an endocrinologist office could purchasepatient licenses and store the data of patients the office spot-checks,with the patient records separated by identification tags and protectedvia the security features described herein. A skilled artisan wouldappreciate that the users' medical data (including insuranceinformation) could be stored separately on the personal health organizeror a remote system, e.g., an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) serverlocated on a remote computing network (e.g. cloud computing network).

In an embodiment, the medical data stored on the personal healthorganizer can be retrieved by an EMS or a first responder through theuse of a Rad 57 or similar device. A physician can also perform dataretrieval using a similar device. In another embodiment, the electronicmedical data record integration module 322 can be configured to managemedical expenses and reimbursements. The electronic medical data recordintegration module 322 can be used to track health items purchased bythe user and synchronize the items with a medical expense account. Thepurchased items can also be compared by a comparison shoppermodule/program for best prices and alternative products. The purchasehistory information can also be sent to insurance companies forreimbursement of co-pay overages, for example.

In another embodiment, the network computing support module 302 can beconfigured to provide reminders to the user if the personal healthorganizer is not with the user. For example, the user can call thepersonal health organizer via phone or send an email or text messagewith a particular question regarding appointment times, medicationintake schedule, etc. In an embodiment, the personal health organizer ora data server with synchronized medical data records within a remotecomputing network (e.g. cloud computing network) provides answers to theparticular questions sent.

Since diabetic patients are likely users of the personal healthorganizer and diabetes can sometimes lead to vision impairment, in anembodiment the electronic medical data record integration module 322 isconfigured to synchronize eye care prescription requirement dates andvision check-ups on a calendar. In an embodiment, the personal healthorganizer includes software for testing the user's vision on the deviceto determine if a new prescription is needed. The testing software caninclude Ishihara plates and distance charts displayed on the display206, with the displayed testing materials sized according to an arm'slength testing distance.

In yet another embodiment, the electronic medical data recordintegration module 322 is configured to coordinate prescription. Forexample, once a user's physician verbally mentions a prescription, thepersonal health organizer can acoustically identify the drug term andsearch for generic alternatives. Once the physician agrees to the drug(either the branded drug or the suggested generic alternative), theelectronic medical data record integration module 322 is configured inan embodiment to locate a closest pharmacy (using the built-in GPSand/or triangulation software based on cell tower location) with thebest price and provides contact information of the pharmacy to the user.It can also provide the pharmacy information to a remote computingnetwork (e.g. cloud computing network) for data synchronization or sendit directly to the user's physician so that he or she can submit anelectronic prescription.

Various embodiments of the personal health organizer also provide forexchange of medical data and related information via email. For example,while a caregiver is taking a reading or measurement of a patient withthe personal health organizer, the caregiver can ask the patient whetheror how the patient would like to receive information relating to themeasurement, and if the patient prefers email or text messages, theemail or text message format. The caregiver can input thesecommunication preferences and send an email or text message to thepatient at the point of measurement. In one embodiment, an email of thereading or measurement is automatically sent to the patient upon thecompletion of measurement process. In another embodiment, the email issent later at the direction of the caregiver user or at a timeconfigured by the caregiver user. The email or text message could alsobe routed to additional supervising caregivers, medical recordspersonnel or files, others in the health providing mechanism for aparticular patient, or the like. In some embodiments, federal, state,local, caregiver facility rulemaking bodies may place requirements onthe distribution and/or content of the information, including, forexample, the level of permission required for certain types of databased on, for example, the content thereof. In those instances, thepersonal health organizer may advantageously ask the caregiver at thepoint of measurement to acquire the appropriate permissions, or withholdsending the email or text message until such permissions are processed,authenticated, verified, or otherwise checked and approved or the like.In other embodiments, the personal health organizer may review theavailable permissions and appropriate rule authorities and determine theformat and content of the email or text message that is available forsending. For example, the personal health organizer may include lessinformation, less detailed information, different groupings of medicaland/or personal information based on a particular patient's permissionsand/or applicable medical data disclosure rules. Other forms ofelectronic communications can also be used, for example, information canbe posted to a website, such as a private blog. Information can also besent through various other information posting websites such as, forexample, Twitter™.

None, some, or all of the information relating to patient interactionswith the personal health organizer can be sent electronically. Forexample, emails may be sent to those patients (e.g. an outpatient) thatmay take measurements on their own or have them taken by anon-professional caregiver such a family member. Emails, text messages,or other electronic communications can also include reminders, requestsfor data, advice based on data obtained, or any other similar personalor medical information.

Electronic Medical Data Integration Processes

FIGS. 6A and 6B show methods for integrating medical data records inaccordance with embodiments disclosed herein. At block 352, in anembodiment, a signal indicative of the patient physiological reading isreceived and/or detected at a sensor of the personal health organizer(or an associated health data collection device). At block 354, thepersonal health organizer (or an associated health data collectiondevice) can process the signal to derive or calculate reading data (e.g.derive blood glucose level based on signal received). At the block 360,the reading data can be stored locally (e.g. in the storage 204) alongwith other medical data of the patient user. At block 362, the personalhealth organizer can use the reading data to customize local content atthe personal health organizer, including games and educationalmaterials. At block 364, the personal health organizer can use thereading data to generate health reminders and/or recommendations thatare personalized for the patient user.

At block 356, the reading data can be forwarded to a remote electronicmedical storage. In an embodiment, related medical data can be forwardedwith the reading data as well. At block 372, the records kept at acentralized medical data storage can be synchronized with the forwardedreading data and/or related medical data. At block 374, the forwardedreading data and/or medical data can be used to generate alerts tohealthcare providers. At block 376, the records kept at healthcareproviders can be synchronized with the forwarded reading data and/ormedical data. The healthcare providers can use the forwarded data togenerate feedback such as alerts, data updates, and diagnoses, which arereceived at the personal health organizer at block 358 in accordancewith an embodiment.

The synchronization of data records is further illustrated in FIG. 6B,where a patient 420 is shown to provide reading data to a personalhealth organizer 402, which in turns forwards the reading data and/orother related medical data of the patient 420 to a network 124. Thenetwork 124 can include a remote computing network (e.g. cloud computingnetwork) comprising of LANs, WANs, and the Internet. The reading datacan be relayed to healthcare providers 404, who can provide feedbacksuch as alerts, reminders, and/or diagnoses to the personal healthorganizer 402 via the network 124. The healthcare providers 404 can alsosynchronize their records based on the forwarded reading data (and/orrelated medical data) and in turn provide synchronized and/or updatedmedical data back to the personal health organizer 402. Similarly, thereading data (and/or related medical data) can be forwarded to theelectronic medical record storage 406 via the network, and theelectronic medical record storage 406 can synchronize its records basedon the forwarded reading data (and/or related medical data) and in turnprovide synchronized and/or updated medical data back to the personalhealth organizer 402 via the network. The returned results from thehealthcare providers 404 and/or the electronic medical record storage406 can be displayed back to the patient 420 and/or used by the personalhealth organizer for other purposes such as completing financial costsand deductions to users' medical expense accounts.

Gaming Module

In an embodiment, the personal health organizer includes a gaming module324 that includes and/or supports a variety of health-related games. Forexample, the gaming module 324 can allow the user to purchase ordownload games associated with health training on the disease andwritten to motivate the emotional state of the user. As another example,the gaming module 324 can provide a game that provides a customizabledigital pet for children to disassociate from the disease but learn howto care for the digital pet and themselves. The digital pet can includeinterchangeable configuration data that relate to the appearance of thepet. As a further example, the gaming module 324 can display a screensaver that displays a tree either in good or failing condition dependingon a user's ability to live successfully with diabetes. For example, auser with a small number of doctor visits, missed insulin injections,bad food choices, and few exercise activities can be shown a witheringtree. Conversely, a user who maintains few spikes and drops can be showna healthy, vibrant tree. In another embodiment, the gaming module 324can provide an interactive game based on training/flash cards and tests.The cards and tests can be based on device usage, healthcondition/standing, disease knowledge, latest news findings on cures,etc. The testing and training can be synchronized over Internet to allowfriend and group competition and participation.

The gaming module 324 can also be associated with a running companionmodule. The module can be used to synchronize training records for auser based on the user's shoe type or needs. The module could further beadapted to work with the accelerometer to function as a pedometer orperform some other assessment of movement. A skilled artisan wouldappreciate that the gaming module 324 could use measurements from thepedometer or other assessments of travel to deduce the required shoetype for a user or life span of a particular shoe. For example, thegaming module 324 can determine based on distance traveled, the bestshoe type for a user or the life span of the shoe the user has beenusing. The gaming module 324 can utilize the accelerometer 216 in thepersonal health organizer to enhance the gaming experience.

External Reading from Additional Health Data Collection Devices

Embodiments of the personal health organizer include a sensor interfacemodule 306 that is adapted to connect to sensors for measuringphysiological readings of a user. In an embodiment, the personal healthorganizer includes the communications I/O interface module 304 that isconfigured to interface with various health data collection devices andto obtain reading data from those devices. For example, the personalhealth organizer can connect to an insulin pump to obtain performanceand historical record of pump behavior and dosing. In an embodiment, thepersonal health organizer connects via the Bluetooth® protocol (e.g.Near Field Connect (NFC) Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR) or any other short rangewireless connection protocol. In another example, the personal healthorganizer device can connect to a kidney urine test (sensor), which is aseparate sensor adapted to scan the litmus urine test to check proteinlevel in the blood and kidney function. This urine test reading data canbe tracked along with other reading and/or patient medical data by theone or more of the modules disclosed herein, e.g., medical data analysismodule 326, to detect whether changes have occurred. The detectedchanges can be correlated with other medical data such as medicationschedules to determine whether the changes have occurred as a result ofnew medication or progression of disease and damage to organs.

In an embodiment, the personal health organizer is adapted to obtainreading from a weight scale (e.g. specific brands of electronics scales)to gather weight reading. In another embodiment, an optional thin padsensor or digital scale tennis shoes can connect via a long cable orwirelessly to the personal health organizer device via, e.g., theinterface component 208 shown in FIG. 4. The user stands on connectedpad and the weight data is input into the medical data record of theuser as kept by the personal health organizer or sent to a remotecomputing network (e.g. cloud computing network) for medical datasynchronization.

In another embodiment, the personal health organizer is adapted toconnect to a sleep sensor, which includes a finger or a toe adhesivesensor that records data to a solid state drive. The recorded data canthen be downloaded to the personal health organizer device the nextmorning to obtain hours of reading data recorded while the user wasasleep. The connection to the sleep sensor can be wireless, e.g., thepersonal health organizer device can near field connect (NFC) to thesensor. Optionally, the sleep sensor can include a component that sendsreading data in real time to the personal health organizer device (e.g.via Bluetooth® 2.1 +EDR (300′ range)), and instructs the personal healthorganizer to contact medical personnel or an emergency contact if thereading data indicates a urgent medical need.

In other embodiments, sensors and/or devices measuring physiologicalparameters such as Glucose, PR, CO, SpO₂, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, SpHb,Hemoglobin A1C, SpHet, SpMet, oxygen content, bilirubin, etc. can beconnected to the personal health organizer device. In an embodiment, theinterface 208 includes a universal interface that is adapted to connectto various kinds of home used medical equipment such as blood pressuremeasuring devices, body temperature thermometers, etc. In otherembodiments, the personal health device connects these external healthdata collection devices through one or more wired or wirelessconnections as discussed above in conjunction with the interface 208shown in FIG. 4.

Medical Information and Education—Rankings and Reviews

The personal health organizer can also include a medical information andeducation module 328 that provides healthcare-related information. Forexample, the medical information and education module 328 can downloadand provide endocrinologist rankings, hospital rankings, ophthalmologistrankings, podiatrist rankings, surgeon rankings, etc. Endocrinologistrankings can, for example, provide a specialist listing service for bestranked doctors in a user's area (based on GPS location or ZIP code) orelsewhere. These hospital, surgeon, and/or ophthalmologist rankingscould also provide reviews based on care of diabetes. In addition or inlieu of the rankings, the medical information and education module 328can provide diabetes product reviews. These reviews could includereviews of equipment, needles, pumps, medications, etc. These reviewsand rankings can be periodically updated via the use of the networkcomputing support module 302 and/or the communications I/O interfacemodule 304.

Medical Information and Education—Other Information and OnlineCommunities

In an embodiment, the medical information and education module 328includes one or more of the following sub-modules. First, it can includea gestational diabetes sub-module that allows for the integration ofinformation and settings specific to the term of pregnancy and theuser's concerns. The gestational diabetes sub-module can show picturesof the fetus in each stage of development, and can further besynchronized with the user's calendar and week by week progression. Thesub-module can also assist with monitoring timers, medication reminders,and prenatal timers etc. Second, the medical information and educationmodule 328 can include a “Personal Nurse Educator” sub-module. Thesub-module can be paid for by an insurance company to provide a 24-hournurse on call service, with the service specifically allowed to accessthe user's medical information stored within a remote computing network(e.g. cloud computing network), including data stored on the personalhealth organizer device. The sub-module enables the user to chat with,send text messages to, email, or phone (including video conference) theon-call nurse with specific questions.

Third, the medical information and education module 328 can include anonline health information and chat forum access sub-module. For example,the sub-module can provide latest information on diabetes provided bythe diabetes community, including medication information, medicaldefinitions, medical theories, leading developments in cures, andequipment available in various countries. The sub-module can alsoprovide access to support groups. In an embodiment, the sub-module canplay back recorded phonic files of correct pronunciations of medicationsor medical terms. Fourth, the medical information and education module328 can include a diabetes events calendar sub-module that shows localevents and/or global events about diabetes (e.g., world diabetes day,fundraisers etc.), including information on how to get involved ordonate directly from the personal health organizer device.

Additional Features

In an embodiment, the personal health organizer includes thecommunications I/O interface module 304 for providing wireless access tothe Internet. Access can be provided via any known protocols such asWi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G, 4G, CDMA, GSM, etc. For instance, the communicationsmodule 304 can be configured to provide free Wi-Fi access at doctor'soffice. Similarly, communications module 304 can be associated with anIP Telephony program such as Skype. This could allow video conferencing(e.g., using built-in camera 214) between a user of the personal healthorganizer and his or her physician. The program can also allow Internetbased calling via Vonage, Skype or other VOIP providers.

Verification/Security

In an embodiment, the device security module 342 provides a number ofsecurity features to secure data stored on the personal health organizerdevice or otherwise prevent unauthorized access to the device. In anembodiment, if the personal health organizer device is lost, the devicesecurity module 342 enables the device to be located with a remotecomputing network (e.g. cloud computing network). For example, the ownerof a lost device can trace the location of the device via the GPSreceiver embedded in the device, or through network address (e.g. IPaddress) tracing when the device is logged onto a network. Additionally,if the user misplaced the device, the device security module 342 cangenerate audible or visual alerts such as whistle, beep, vibrate orblink (e.g. through the audio component 244) when the user calls it oraccesses it through a network.

In another embodiment, if the device is used by a new user, based on thenew user's reading (e.g. blood glucose reading), the device securitymodule 342 can recognize that the user has changed. The device can thenprompt the new user to enter a password. The device security module 342can also utilize biometric identification, for example, through thebuilt-in camera 214. The device security module 342 can recognize theface and expressions of the user from the camera. Another embodimentincludes an additional rear sub CCD or CMOS camera placed behind an LCDor OLED screen so the user could be prompted for finger print or palmidentification. In addition, a CCD or CMOS camera can be embedded in thesensor to take picture of the user's finger print. In addition to or inplace of external biometric identification, a special near infraredemitter detector can absorb the unique vein pattern of the finger. Thedevice security module 342 can also utilize the CCD or CMOS camera todistinguish among patients when the device is shared among multiplepatients (e.g. in a hospital setting for where a healthcare personnel isusing the device for multiple patients). Once a patient's finger printis recognized, the device automatically brings up the patient's file.

Example Health Data Collection Device

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a health data collection device 112. Inthe depicted embodiment, the monitoring device 118 includes a fingerclip sensor 116 connected to a monitor 118 via a cable 452. In theembodiment shown, the monitor 118 includes a display 456, controlbuttons 454 and a power button. Moreover, the monitor 118 canadvantageously include electronic processing, signal processing, anddata storage devices capable of receiving signal data from said sensor116, processing the signal data to determine one or more outputmeasurement values indicative of one or more physiological parameters ofa monitored patient, and displaying the measurement values, trends ofthe measurement values, combinations of measurement values, and thelike.

The cable 452 connecting the sensor 116 and the monitor 118 can beimplemented using one or more wires, optical fiber, flex circuits, orthe like. In some embodiments, the cable 452 can employ twisted pairs ofconductors in order to minimize or reduce cross-talk of data transmittedfrom the sensor 116 to the monitor 118. Various lengths of the cable 452can be employed to allow for separation between the sensor 116 and themonitor 118. The cable 452 can be fitted with a connector (male orfemale) on either end of the cable 452 so that the sensor 116 and themonitor 118 can be connected and disconnected from each other.Alternatively, the sensor 116 and the monitor 118 can be coupledtogether via a wireless communication link, such as an infrared link,radio frequency channel, or any other wireless communication protocoland channel.

The monitor 118 can be attached to the patient. For example, the monitor118 can include a belt clip or straps that facilitate attachment to apatient's belt, arm, leg, or the like. The monitor 118 can also includea fitting, slot, magnet, snap-click connector (e.g., connectorsmanufactured by LEMO S.A. of Switzerland), or other connecting mechanismto allow the cable 452 and sensor 116 to be attached to the monitor 118.

The monitor 118 can also include other components, such as a speaker,power button, removable storage or memory (e.g., a flash card slot), anAC or DC power port, and one or more network interfaces, such as auniversal serial bus interface or an Ethernet port. For example, themonitor 118 can include a display 456 that can indicate a measurementfor glucose, for example, in mg/dL. Other analytes and forms of displaycan also appear on the monitor 118.

In addition, although a single sensor 116 with a single monitor 118 isshown, different combinations of sensors and device pairings can beimplemented. For example, multiple sensors can be provided for aplurality of differing patient types or measurement sites or evenpatient fingers.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates the components of an exampleof a health data collection device 112. In certain embodiments, thehealth data collection device 112 noninvasively measures a bloodanalyte, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, methemoglobin, totalhemoglobin, glucose, proteins, glucose, lipids, a percentage thereof(e.g., saturation) or for measuring many other physiologically relevantpatient characteristics. The device 112 can also measure additionalblood analytes and/or other physiological parameters useful indetermining a state or trend of wellness of a patient.

The data collection device 112 can be capable of measuring opticalradiation from the measurement site. For example, in some embodiments,the data collection device 112 can employ photodiodes defined in termsof area. In an embodiment, the area is from about 1 mm²-5 mm² (orhigher) that are capable of detecting about 100 nanoamps (nA) or less ofcurrent resulting from measured light at full scale. In addition tohaving its ordinary meaning, the phrase “at full scale” can mean lightsaturation of a photodiode amplifier (not shown). Of course, as would beunderstood by a person of skill in the art from the present disclosure,various other sizes and types of photodiodes can be used with theembodiments of the present disclosure.

The data collection device 112 can measure a range of approximatelyabout 2 nA to about 100 nA full scale. The data collection device 112can also include sensor front-ends that are capable of processing andamplifying current from the detector(s) at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs)of about 100 decibels (dB) or more, such as about 120 dB in order tomeasure various desired analytes. The data collection device 112 canoperate with a lower SNR if less accuracy is needed for an analyte likeglucose.

The data collection device 112 can measure analyte concentrations,including glucose, at least in part by detecting light attenuated by ameasurement site 502. The measurement site 502 can be any location on apatient's body, such as a finger, foot, ear lobe, or the like. Forconvenience, this disclosure is described primarily in the context of afinger measurement site 502. However, the features of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be used with other measurement sites 502.

In the depicted embodiment, the device 112 includes an optional tissuethickness adjuster or tissue shaper 522, which can include one or moreprotrusions, bumps, lenses, or other suitable tissue-shaping mechanisms.In certain embodiments, the tissue shaper 522 is a flat or substantiallyflat surface that can be positioned proximate the measurement site 502and that can apply sufficient pressure to cause the tissue of themeasurement site 502 to be flat or substantially flat. In otherembodiments, the tissue shaper 522 is a convex or substantially convexsurface with respect to the measurement site 502. Many otherconfigurations of the tissue shaper 522 are possible. Advantageously, incertain embodiments, the tissue shaper 522 reduces thickness of themeasurement site 502 while preventing or reducing occlusion at themeasurement site 502. Reducing thickness of the site can advantageouslyreduce the amount of attenuation of the light because there is lesstissue through which the light must travel. Shaping the tissue in to aconvex (or alternatively concave) surface can also provide more surfacearea from which light can be detected.

The embodiment of the data collection device 112 shown also includes anoptional noise shield 526. In an embodiment, the noise shield 526 can beadvantageously adapted to reduce electromagnetic noise while increasingthe transmittance of light from the measurement site 502 to one or moredetectors 506 (described below). For example, the noise shield 526 canadvantageously include a conductive coated glass or metal gridelectrically communicating with one or more other shields of the sensor116 or electrically grounded. In an embodiment where the noise shield526 includes conductive coated glass, the coating can advantageouslyinclude indium tin oxide. In an embodiment, the indium tin oxideincludes a surface resistivity ranging from approximately 30 ohms persquare inch to about 500 ohms per square inch. In an embodiment, theresistivity is approximately 30, 200, or 500 ohms per square inch. Aswould be understood by a person of skill in the art from the presentdisclosure, other resistivities can also be used which are less thanabout 30 ohms or more than about 500 ohms. Other conductive materialstransparent or substantially transparent to light can be used instead.

In some embodiments, the measurement site 502 is located somewhere alonga non-dominant arm or a non-dominant hand, e.g., a right-handed person'sleft arm or left hand. In one embodiment, the data collection device 112can recognize a user's or patient's non-dominant arm/hand by comparingthe two arms/hands according to various types of physiologicaldata/measurements. For example, in some patients, the non-dominant armor hand can have less musculature and higher fat content, which canresult in less water content in that tissue of the patient. Tissuehaving less water content can provide less interference with theparticular wavelengths that are absorbed in a useful manner by bloodanalytes like glucose. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the datacollection device 112 can be used on a person's non-dominant hand orarm.

The data collection device 112 can include a sensor 116 (or multiplesensors) that is coupled to a processing device or physiological monitor118. In an embodiment, the sensor 116 and the monitor 118 are integratedtogether into a single unit. In another embodiment, the sensor 116 andthe monitor 118 are separate from each other and communicate one withanother in any suitable manner, such as via a wired or wirelessconnection. The sensor 116 and monitor 118 can be attachable anddetachable from each other for the convenience of the user or caregiver,for ease of storage, sterility issues, or the like. The sensor 116 andthe monitor 118 will now be further described.

In the depicted embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sensor 116 includes anemitter 504, a tissue shaper 522, a set of detectors 506, and afront-end interface 508. The emitter 504 can serve as the source ofoptical radiation transmitted towards measurement site 102. As will bedescribed in further detail below, the emitter 504 can include one ormore sources of optical radiation, such as LEDs, laser diodes,incandescent bulbs with appropriate frequency-selective filters,combinations of the same, or the like. In an embodiment, the emitter 504includes sets of optical sources that are capable of emitting visibleand near-infrared optical radiation.

In some embodiments, the emitter 504 is used as a point optical source,and thus, the one or more optical sources of the emitter 504 can belocated within a close distance to each other, such as within about a 2mm to about 4 mm. The emitters 504 can be arranged in an array, such asis described in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0211924, filed Sep. 21, 2006,titled “Multiple Wavelength Sensor Emitters,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In particular, theemitters 504 can be arranged at least in part as described in paragraphs[0061] through [0068] of the aforementioned publication, whichparagraphs are hereby incorporated specifically by reference. Otherrelative spatial relationships can be used to arrange the emitters 504.

For analytes like glucose, currently available non-invasive techniquesoften attempt to employ light near the water absorbance minima at orabout 1600 nm. Typically, these devices and methods employ a singlewavelength or single band of wavelengths at or about 1600 nm. However,to date, these techniques have been unable to adequately consistentlymeasure analytes like glucose based on spectroscopy.

In contrast, the emitter 504 of the data collection device 112 can emit,in certain embodiments, combinations of optical radiation in variousbands of interest. For example, in some embodiments, for analytes likeglucose, the emitter 504 can emit optical radiation at three (3) or morewavelengths between about 1600 nm to about 1700 nm. In particular, theemitter 504 can emit optical radiation at or about 1610 nm, about 1640nm, and about 1665 nm. In some circumstances, the use of threewavelengths within about 1600 nm to about 1700 nm enable sufficient SNRsof about 100 dB, which can result in a measurement accuracy of about 20mg/dL or better for analytes like glucose.

In other embodiments, the emitter 504 can use two (2) wavelengths withinabout 1600 nm to about 1700 nm to advantageously enable SNRs of about 85dB, which can result in a measurement accuracy of about 25-30 mg/dL orbetter for analytes like glucose. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theemitter 504 can emit light at wavelengths above about 1670 nm.Measurements at these wavelengths can be advantageously used tocompensate or confirm the contribution of protein, water, and othernon-hemoglobin species exhibited in measurements for analytes likeglucose conducted between about 1600 nm and about 1700 nm. Of course,other wavelengths and combinations of wavelengths can be used to measureanalytes and/or to distinguish other types of tissue, fluids, tissueproperties, fluid properties, combinations of the same or the like.

For example, the emitter 504 can emit optical radiation across otherspectra for other analytes. In particular, the emitter 504 can employlight wavelengths to measure various blood analytes or percentages(e.g., saturation) thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the emitter504 can emit optical radiation in the form of pulses at wavelengthsabout 905 nm, about 1050 nm, about 1200 nm, about 1300 nm, about 1330nm, about 1610 nm, about 1640 nm, and about 1665 nm. In anotherembodiment, the emitter 504 can emit optical radiation ranging fromabout 860 nm to about 950 nm, about 950 nm to about 1100 nm, about 1100nm to about 1270 nm, about 1250 nm to about 1350 nm, about 1300 nm toabout 1360 nm, and about 1590 nm to about 1700 nm. Of course, theemitter 504 can transmit any of a variety of wavelengths of visible ornear-infrared optical radiation.

Due to the different responses of analytes to the different wavelengths,certain embodiments of the data collection device 112 can advantageouslyuse the measurements at these different wavelengths to improve theaccuracy of measurements. For example, the measurements of water fromvisible and infrared light can be used to compensate for waterabsorbance that is exhibited in the near-infrared wavelengths.

As briefly described above, the emitter 504 can include sets oflight-emitting diodes (LEDs) as its optical source. The emitter 504 canuse one or more top-emitting LEDs. In particular, in some embodiments,the emitter 504 can include top-emitting LEDs emitting light at about850 nm to 1350 nm.

The emitter 504 can also use super luminescent LEDs (SLEDs) orside-emitting LEDs. In some embodiments, the emitter 504 can employSLEDs or side-emitting LEDs to emit optical radiation at about 1600 nmto about 1700 nm. Emitter 504 can use SLEDs or side-emitting LEDs totransmit near infrared optical radiation because these types of sourcescan transmit at high power or relatively high power, e.g., about 40 mWto about 100 mW. This higher power capability can be useful tocompensate or overcome the greater attenuation of these wavelengths oflight in tissue and water. For example, the higher power emission caneffectively compensate and/or normalize the absorption signal for lightin the mentioned wavelengths to be similar in amplitude and/or effect asother wavelengths that can be detected by one or more photodetectorsafter absorption. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure donot necessarily require the use of high power optical sources. Forexample, some embodiments may be configured to measure analytes, such astotal hemoglobin (tHb), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), carboxyhemoglobin,methemoglobin, etc., without the use of high power optical sources likeside emitting LEDs. Instead, such embodiments may employ other types ofoptical sources, such as top emitting LEDs. Alternatively, the emitter504 can use other types of sources of optical radiation, such as a laserdiode, to emit near-infrared light into the measurement site 502.

In addition, in some embodiments, in order to assist in achieving acomparative balance of desired power output between the LEDs, some ofthe LEDs in the emitter 504 can have a filter or covering that reducesand/or cleans the optical radiation from particular LEDs or groups ofLEDs. For example, since some wavelengths of light can penetrate throughtissue relatively well, LEDs, such as some or all of the top-emittingLEDs can use a filter or covering, such as a cap or painted dye. Thiscan be useful in allowing the emitter 504 to use LEDs with a higheroutput and/or to equalize intensity of LEDs.

The data collection device 112 also includes a driver 520 that drivesthe emitter 504. The driver 520 can be a circuit or the like that iscontrolled by the monitor 118. For example, the driver 520 can providepulses of current to the emitter 504. In an embodiment, the driver 520drives the emitter 504 in a progressive fashion, such as in analternating manner. The driver 520 can drive the emitter 504 with aseries of pulses of about 1 milliwatt (mW) for some wavelengths that canpenetrate tissue relatively well and from about 40 mW to about 100 mWfor other wavelengths that tend to be significantly absorbed in tissue.A wide variety of other driving powers and driving methodologies can beused in various embodiments.

The driver 520 can be synchronized with other parts of the sensor 116and can minimize or reduce jitter in the timing of pulses of opticalradiation emitted from the emitter 504. In some embodiments, the driver520 is capable of driving the emitter 504 to emit optical radiation in apattern that varies by less than about 10 parts-per-million.

The detectors 506 capture and measure light from the measurement site502. For example, the detectors 506 can capture and measure lighttransmitted from the emitter 504 that has been attenuated or reflectedfrom the tissue in the measurement site 502. The detectors 506 canoutput a detector signal 524 responsive to the light captured ormeasured. The detectors 506 can be implemented using one or morephotodiodes, phototransistors, or the like.

In addition, the detectors 506 can be arranged with a spatialconfiguration to provide a variation of path lengths among at least someof the detectors 506. That is, some of the detectors 506 can have thesubstantially, or from the perspective of the processing algorithm,effectively, the same path length from the emitter 504. However,according to an embodiment, at least some of the detectors 506 can havea different path length from the emitter 504 relative to other of thedetectors 506. Variations in path lengths can be helpful in allowing theuse of a bulk signal stream from the detectors 506. In some embodiments,the detectors 506 may employ a linear spacing, a logarithmic spacing, ora two or three dimensional matrix of spacing, or any other spacingscheme in order to provide an appropriate variation in path lengths.

The front-end interface 508 provides an interface that adapts the outputof the detectors 506, which is responsive to desired physiologicalparameters. For example, the front-end interface 508 can adapt a signal524 received from one or more of the detectors 506 into a form that canbe processed by the monitor 118, for example, by a signal processor 510in the monitor 118. The front-end interface 508 can have its componentsassembled in the sensor 116, in the monitor 118, in connecting cabling(if used), combinations of the same, or the like. The location of thefront-end interface 508 can be chosen based on various factors includingspace desired for components, desired noise reductions or limits,desired heat reductions or limits, and the like.

The front-end interface 508 can be coupled to the detectors 506 and tothe signal processor 510 using a bus, wire, electrical or optical cable,flex circuit, or some other form of signal connection. The front-endinterface 508 can also be at least partially integrated with variouscomponents, such as the detectors 506. For example, the front-endinterface 508 can include one or more integrated circuits that are onthe same circuit board as the detectors 506. Other configurations canalso be used.

The front-end interface 508 can be implemented using one or moreamplifiers, such as transimpedance amplifiers, that are coupled to oneor more analog to digital converters (ADCs) (which can be in the monitor118), such as a sigma-delta ADC. A transimpedance-based front-endinterface 508 can employ single-ended circuitry, differential circuitry,and/or a hybrid configuration. A transimpedance-based front-endinterface 508 can be useful for its sampling rate capability and freedomin modulation/demodulation algorithms. For example, this type offront-end interface 508 can advantageously facilitate the sampling ofthe ADCs being synchronized with the pulses emitted from the emitter504.

The ADC or ADCs can provide one or more outputs into multiple channelsof digital information for processing by the signal processor 510 of themonitor 118. Each channel can correspond to a signal output from adetector 506.

In some embodiments, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) can be used incombination with a transimpedance-based front-end interface 508. Forexample, the output of a transimpedance-based front-end interface 508can be output to a PGA that is coupled with an ADC in the monitor 118. APGA can be useful in order to provide another level of amplification andcontrol of the stream of signals from the detectors 506. Alternatively,the PGA and ADC components can be integrated with thetransimpedance-based front-end interface 508 in the sensor 116.

In another embodiment, the front-end interface 508 can be implementedusing switched-capacitor circuits. A switched-capacitor-based front-endinterface 508 can be useful for, in certain embodiments, itsresistor-free design and analog averaging properties. In addition, aswitched-capacitor-based front-end interface 508 can be useful becauseit can provide a digital signal to the signal processor 510 in themonitor 118.

As shown in FIG. 8, the monitor 118 can include the signal processor 510and a user interface, such as a display 512. The monitor 109 can alsoinclude optional outputs alone or in combination with the display 512,such as a storage device 514 and a network interface 516. In anembodiment, the signal processor 510 includes processing logic thatdetermines measurements for desired analytes, such as glucose, based onthe signals received from the detectors 506. The signal processor 510can be implemented using one or more microprocessors or subprocessors(e.g., cores), digital signal processors, application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),combinations of the same, and the like.

The signal processor 510 can provide various signals that control theoperation of the sensor 116. For example, the signal processor 510 canprovide an emitter control signal to the driver 520. This control signalcan be useful in order to synchronize, minimize, or reduce jitter in thetiming of pulses emitted from the emitter 504. Accordingly, this controlsignal can be useful in order to cause optical radiation pulses emittedfrom the emitter 504 to follow a precise timing and consistent pattern.For example, when a transimpedance-based front-end interface 508 isused, the control signal from the signal processor 510 can providesynchronization with the ADC in order to avoid aliasing, cross-talk, andthe like. As also shown, an optional memory 518 can be included in thefront-end interface 508 and/or in the signal processor 510. This memory518 can serve as a buffer or storage location for the front-endinterface 508 and/or the signal processor 510, among other uses.

The user interface 112 can provide an output, e.g., on a display, forpresentation to a user of the data collection device 112. The userinterface 112 can be implemented as a touch-screen display, an LCDdisplay, an organic LED display, or the like. In addition, the userinterface 112 can be manipulated to allow for measurement on thenon-dominant side of patient. For example, the user interface 112 caninclude a flip screen, a screen that can be moved from one side toanother on the monitor 118, or can include an ability to reorient itsdisplay indicia responsive to user input or device orientation. Inalternative embodiments, the data collection device 112 can be providedwithout a user interface 112 and can simply provide an output signal toa separate display or system.

A storage device 514 and a network interface 516 represent otheroptional output connections that can be included in the monitor 118. Thestorage device 514 can include any computer-readable medium, such as amemory device, hard disk storage, EEPROM, flash drive, or the like. Thevarious software and/or firmware applications can be stored in thestorage device 514, which can be executed by the signal processor 510 oranother processor of the monitor 118. The network interface 516 can be aserial bus port (RS-232/RS-485), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, anEthernet port, a wireless interface (e.g., Wi-Fi such as any 802.1xinterface, including an internal wireless card), or other suitablecommunication device(s) that allows the monitor 118 to communicate andshare data with other devices. The monitor 118 can also include variousother components not shown, such as a microprocessor, graphicsprocessor, or controller to output the user interface 112, to controldata communications, to compute data trending, or to perform otheroperations.

Although not shown in the depicted embodiment, the data collectiondevice 112 can include various other components or can be configured indifferent ways. For example, the sensor 116 can have both the emitter504 and detectors 506 on the same side of the measurement site 502 anduse reflectance to measure analytes. The data collection device 112 canalso include a sensor that measures the power of light emitted from theemitter 504.

CONCLUSION

In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodiedin hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions,possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programminglanguage, such as, for example, Java, Lua, C or C++. A software modulemay be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in ashared library, or may be written in an interpreted programming languagesuch as, for example, BASIC, Perl, Python or in a scripting language. Itwill be appreciated that software modules may be callable from othermodules or from themselves, and/or may be invoked in response todetected events or interrupts. Software instructions may be embedded infirmware, which is stored on a memory such as an EPROM. It will befurther appreciated that hardware modules may be comprised of connectedlogic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised ofprogrammable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. Themodules described herein are preferably implemented as software modules,but may be represented in hardware or firmware. Generally, the modulesdescribed herein refer to logical modules that may be combined withother modules or divided into sub-modules despite their physicalorganization or storage.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

While certain embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein have beendescribed, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only,and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosedherein. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein can beembodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions,substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systemsdescribed herein can be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions disclosed herein. The claims and their equivalents areintended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within thescope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A physiological monitoring system for identifyinga life threatening condition of a patient, the system comprising: one ormore light sources; one or more optical sensors configured to measurelight from the one or more light sources attenuated by tissue of apatient; one or more hardware processors in communication with the oneor more optical sensors, the one or more hardware processors configuredto: receive as signal from the one or more optical sensors; determine apulse rate based on the received signal; determine a presence of analert condition based on the pulse rate; and in response to determiningthe presence of the alert condition: determine a proximity of the one ormore of a contact relative to a determined location of the physiologicalmonitoring system; contact the one or more of a contact based on thedetermined location of the physiological monitoring system; and providethe determined location of the user to the one or more of the contact.2. The physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore of a contact comprises an emergency service system or careprovider.
 3. An electronic device, comprising: a motion sensorconfigured to gather motion sensor data; a pulse rate sensor configuredto measure pulse rate; a location determination module configured todetermine a location of the electronic device; and a processing systemconnected with the motion sensor, a location determination module, andthe pulse rate sensor; the processing system configured to: determine alocation of the electronic device using the location determinationmodule; monitor the pulse rate using the pulse rate sensor; determine apresence of an alert condition; in response to determining the presenceof the alert condition: access one or more of a contact in an electronicaddress book associated with the processing system; determine aproximity of the one or more of a contact relative to the determinedlocation of the electronic device; contact the one or more of a contactbased on the determined location of the electronic device; and providethe determined location of the user.
 4. The electronic device of claim3, wherein the processing system is configured to transmit an alert toan emergency service system.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4,wherein the emergency service system is selected based on the determinedlocation of the electronic device.
 6. The electronic device of claim 3,wherein the processing system is further configured to determine nearbymedical devices or equipment and alert the user to use the nearbymedical devices or equipment.
 7. The electronic device of claim 3,wherein the alert condition is determined based at least in part on thepulse rate.
 8. An electronic device, comprising: a motion sensorconfigured to gather motion sensor data; a pulse rate sensor configuredto measure pulse rate; a location determination module configured todetermine a location of the electronic device; and a processing systemconnected with the motion sensor, a location determination module, andthe pulse rate sensor; the processing system configured to: determine alocation of the electronic device using the location determinationmodule; monitor the pulse rate using the pulse rate sensor; determine apresence of an alert condition; in response to determining the presenceof the alert condition: access one or more of a contact in an electronicaddress book associated with the processing system; determine aproximity of the one or more of a contact or an emergency service systemrelative to the determined location of the electronic device; contactthe one or more of a contact or emergency service system based on thedetermined location of the electronic device; and provide the determinedlocation of the user.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein theprocessing system is configured to transmit an alert to an emergencyservice system.
 10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein theprocessing system is further configured to determine nearby medicaldevices or equipment and alert the user to use the nearby medicaldevices or equipment.
 11. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein thealert condition is determined based at least in part on the pulse rate.